Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park The flagship of the Lower Zambezi and one of Africa's finest Intimate and remote, simple in style yet with all the comforts

Travel Tips

We recommend that anyone wishing to travel to Zambia obtain current travel information from their national Foreign Offices and Embassies for updated travel, health and safety information on Zambia before travel.

THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE, THEIR CUSTOMS AND THE LAW OF THE LAND
The people of Zambia are renowned for their welcoming nature and tolerance however they are conservative in many aspects, often favoring traditional customs and practices over what might be the norm in the developed world. The Laws of Zambia are explicit and should be followed at all times, and discretion should be practiced in the event of same sex couples.

VISAS
The visa fee waiver has been scrapped and tourists from most countries have to pay for a visa upon arrival in Zambia. Current information can be obtained from your travel agent or by clicking here.

AIRPORT TAX
There is a departure tax to be paid in cash, if this has not already been included in the cost of your ticket (all tickets purchased after Feb 07 2013 should include this automatically but please check!) at the Passenger Service Desk when departing from Zambian airports such as Lusaka, Mfuwe and Livingstone - does not apply at bush airstrips:

• Domestic departure tax - currently ZMK58,000 per person per flight out of LUN, LVI & MFU

MONEY

• The local currency is called the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) and is the only currency accepted for transactions within Zambia.
• Safari lodges are permitted to quote, invoice and receive foreign currency into their foreign currency accounts in Zambia for payments for safaris from foreign suppliers and visitors.
• Payments for safaris from domestic (Zambian based) suppliers and visitors will need to be quoted and paid in ZMW.
• It is not yet possible to purchase ZMW from outside of Zambia so you will need to exchange currency once in Zambia, although you will be able to purchase your visa in foreign currency at your point of entry to Zambia.
• When one exchanges cash at a bank or bureau de change in Zambia such as at any of the airports, the most acceptable foreign currency to use is USA dollars and you get better rates for larger denomination notes, however these must be newer than 2006 mint - 2006 mint and older are not accepted in Zambia.
• Credit/debit cards are accepted at most institutions and ATM's for cash withdrawals including for payment of Departure Taxes however credit cards are not accepted at Chiawa Camp & Old Mondoro

INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel insurance (including Trip Cancellation/Curtailment & Medical Evacuation plus Hospitalization and Treatment) be purchased.

TIPPING
Of course this is at your own discretion and is not expected, but a rough guide is $5 per person per night for the general camp staff tip box and a further $5 per person per night for your safari guide if you are happy with the effort and service provided.

MEDICAL
Malaria does exist in Zambia; therefore it is recommended that you take malaria prophylaxis. There are many different types of preventatives so it is important to seek advice from your physician on the best anti malarial pills to take.

It is also a good idea to take your own personal medical kit, although Chiawa has a comprehensive emergency medical kit and most medicines.

• For more information try Centre for Disease Control & Prevention

PHOTOGRAPHY
Please be sensitive when photographing public buildings and people in Zambia. Be courteous, polite and always ask permission.

VOLTAGE
We have 220-240 volt power & charging facilities in all tents, UK outlets, so carry an international travel adaptor as required. Do not bring hair dryers please!

• Current time at Chiawa

WHAT TO BRING (Pack in soft duffle bags - maximum total weight 15kg!)

MOST IMPORTANT:

• Photocopy of passport photo page (in case of loss)
• Passport
• Airline tickets
• Pen for filling out customs forms, etc.
• Cash/Travellers cheques and credit cards
• Approx. 35 $1 dollar bills for miscellaneous tipping
• Insurance: Accident; medical; baggage and cancellation
• Inoculations and other medications (As per your local Health clinic or personal physic

CLOTHING (Dark bush colours of natural fabrics work best)

• Wind-proof, warm jacket for morning & evening game drives
• Light sweater/jumper for evenings in camp
• Tropical-weight long sleeve shirts (2-3)*
• Tropical-weight long pants (2)*
• Casual pants (1-2) / Casual shirts (2)
• Shorts (2)
• Tennis shoes and /or boat shoes
• Hiking boots (light & well worn in!) especially if going on walking safaris
• T- shirts (2-3)
• Underwear, pyjamas
• Socks
• Teva-type sandals
• Cap or wide brim hat
• (Chiawa offers laundry service at no charge so don’t over-pack)

OTHER

• Sunscreen (block) / lip balm (minimum 30 SPF)
• Toiletries
• Personal medications
• Camera, long telephoto lenses for gameviewing & plenty of film
• Locks for duffel bags & luggage
• Aloe Vera gel for sunburn
• Imodium AD tablets
• Insect repellent (with high DEET concentration)
• Consider a small first aid kit with bandaids, topical antibiotics, etc.

OTHER OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Ear plugs (to drown out a snoring roommate, or snoring hippo)
• 2 zip-loc bags (half gallon size)
• 2 hefty bin bags for dirty clothes, etc.

THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME

• Jewellery, other valuables, drugs, firearms
• Colognes (attracts insects) and hair dryers